The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-07-02

to mock him by talking of this child as 'sone of the best scholars in Italy" With some irritation he began asking questions.
 Question as he might, Giovanni's replies were made with so much clear ness that the doctor was astonished, and at once admitted him as candi- date in the coming discussion-the grand theological discussion to take place before all the magistrates of Modena and all the wisest men of Italy, and so Giovanni went away. feeling that the first step had been gained.
 The day so anxiously awaited by Pico was not long in coming.
 The room was filled with people, and Dr. Lulle, in his long black robe bordered with ermine, had mounted into his chair. Opposite him stood the six students to be questioned, also in great long robes, though without the ermine. The slight figure of Pico della Mirandola in their midst excited much wonder among the audience. A child like this pretending to take part in theological discussion? l sup pose such thing had never been heard of before by one of those astonished gazers at the fair, rosy cheeks, blonde hair and clear blue eyes of our Gio- vanni
 The boy, little embarrassed by feeling so many eyes upon him, held his head low and listened attentively to the replies of his fellow candidates. Their examination having finished, and his own turn having come, he raised his eyes without fear, but nearly let fall cry as his glance rested upon his mother in the crowd of people-his mother whom he had thought safe at the convent villa. You see, although Giovanni had said not one word of his intention to her, she had guessed it, and secretly came to Modena to die with her son if necessary.
 Giovanni's trial was over He had spoken with wonderful eloquence; he had shown remarkable knowledge of science, had reasoned so forcibly, that at last his examiners, carried away by the wild enthusiasm of the people, de- clared him worthy of the reward promised to that one of the six candi- dates who should sustain his argu- ment best.
 Giovanni advanced to the steps where were seated the magistrates and the princes, when suddenly voice was heard. The old enemy, Bona cossi, was speaking:
 NThe name-ask the name of that child" he cried fiercely to the podesta of Modena.
 At these words Giovanni's mother, bursting into tears, pressed through the throng and threw her arms around her son, as if to protect him from all danger. The boy, quite fearless, quickly disengaged himself from her clasp, and placing himself before the podesta, said ill a clear, loud voice:
 My name is Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, and I am son of Lord della Mirandola, Count of Concordia. know well that we have been exiled from Modena, and that no one of our family can enter these walls. will deliver up my head to you, Seigneur Bonacossi, but first let me ask of the podesta the reward that is my due. may make my own choice? Then give me pardon for my dear ones, re- turn to my father his wealth, his honors, his country. Then let me die, if you think it just,' ,''
 A thousand voices were raised in applause. Tears flowed fast, hearts were touched. hands applauded. The podesta drew the child to his heart, and the pardon was granted. Bona cossi was obliged to give back to the count of Concordia the old home of his ancestors, and that goodly heritage, lost by arms, was regained by brave child's words.
 Pico della Mirandola became one of the greatest philosophers of his age The universities of Europe vied with each other in heaping honors upon him. A king called him his friend; but you and I will remember him for that golden deed of his childhood still shining out of the past with un- dimmed lustre.
 He died at Florence in l494, and in one of the galleries of that beautiful city you may still see a quaint old portrait of this distinguished poet, orator and philosopher.